Noninvasive Procedure for Improving Efficiency of Three-Phase Induction Motors

In developing countries, three-phase squirrel cage induction motors, even though with load equal to their name plate rating, may operate at low efficiencies. This may be because their winding parameters are not optimized for lower running cost. To ascertain the cause, it is necessary to know the stator winding data and compare it with the results of the design. If a deviation exists, the winding is improper. However, it may be possible to improve efficiency by rewinding the motor. We propose a noninvasive procedure to determine the following winding data: number of parallel circuits in a phase, number of turns per coil, and conductor area. The procedure includes a new iterative algorithm for determining these winding data. We discuss experimental investigations to validate the proposed procedure and to test its effectiveness in energy conservation. We outline the usefulness of the procedure for designers and the advantages it offers to service providers and educational institutions.